The Role of Social Media and Its Impact on Children

Abstract

a world rapidly moving toward digitalization, children are no longer shielded from the influence of modern technology. Instead, they have become active participants in a virtual space dominated by social media platforms. Children now enter this world not as passive observers, but as engaged users—sharing, commenting, following, and even creating content. This growing involvement raises important questions about the depth and nature of its impact on children’s psychological, social, and behavioral development. This research aims to explore the evolving relationship between children and social media, examining usage patterns and identifying both the visible and hidden effects of their daily interactions with these platforms. It has become clear that this interaction carries a dual nature. On the one hand, social media can open doors to learning, creativity, and cultural exposure. On the other, it may pose significant risks—exposing children to inappropriate content, fostering social withdrawal, or distorting their sense of self-worth through artificial standards of success and popularity. The findings reveal that many children spend extended hours on screens with little or no supervision, often leading to sleep disturbances, declining academic performance, and imitative behaviour modelled after online content. Moreover, families frequently lack digital literacy, leaving children to navigate the online world without guidance or boundaries. Given these insights, the study underscores the urgent need for updated educational and parental strategies that align with the realities of the digital age. It calls for families and schools to play a more active role in guiding children, helping them to critically engage with social media in a way that balances their online presence with healthy real-world development baynahum wabayn al'ahla, watafeil dawr almuasasat altaelimiat fi tawjih alaistikhdam nahw al'ahdaf al'iijabia.